Movable Barrier Proximity Detection for Notification Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable barrier operator systems often incorrectly classify operations as unattended, leading to unnecessary imminent motion notifications when the user is physically proximate, causing inconvenience, and may fail to provide notifications when the user is distant due to increased radio range and complex proximity determinations.
Innovation Solution
A movable barrier operator system with a moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus that determines proximity using various methods, including GPS, RSSI, LiDAR, and sensor fusion, to selectively activate or inhibit alerts based on the remote control's location relative to the barrier, ensuring appropriate notifications are provided.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system classifies operations as unattended based on network communication, then safety notifications are provided, but unnecessary notifications occur when the user is physically proximate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS location data and proximity determination logic as an intermediary between the communication method and the notification decision. The system uses location information to mediate whether a notification should be triggered, resolving the conflict between safety and convenience by adding a contextual layer that distinguishes between genuine unattended operations and those where the user is merely using network communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter used for notification classification from communication method alone to a combination of communication method and physical proximity. By adding the proximity parameter (determined via GPS and threshold comparisons), the system accurately identifies when notifications are truly necessary versus when they would be unnecessary interruptions to the user.
2Reliability
If the system provides imminent motion notifications for all unattended operations, then safety is ensured, but user frustration increases due to unnecessary alerts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the notification trigger parameters by incorporating proximity thresholds. Instead of using a single parameter (communication method), the system evaluates multiple parameters including GPS location, distance thresholds, and operation type to determine whether to generate notifications. This multi-parameter approach ensures safety while eliminating frustrating false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from location data and proximity calculations to dynamically adjust notification behavior. By continuously monitoring the user's physical position relative to the barrier and using this feedback to inform notification decisions, the system adapts its safety measures to actual conditions rather than relying solely on communication method classification.
3Ease of operation
If local transmitter radio range increases, then user convenience improves, but proximity detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radio signal strength-based proximity detection with GPS-based location determination. As transmitters become more powerful and radio ranges increase, traditional RSSI-based detection becomes unreliable. The system substitutes this mechanical/electrical detection method with satellite-based GPS positioning, which provides accurate location data independent of transmitter power or radio conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces GPS location data as an intermediary for proximity determination. Rather than directly measuring radio signal characteristics to infer proximity, the system uses GPS coordinates as an intermediate representation of position, then calculates distance from these coordinates. This intermediary approach decouples proximity detection from transmitter radio characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A movable barrier operator system is provided that includes a moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus, a motor, a controller, and communication circuitry configured to communicate with a remote control. In response to the communication circuitry receiving a communication from the remote control, the controller causes the motor to change the state of the movable barrier and additionally operate the moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus upon a determination of the remote control being beyond a physical proximity of a location associated with the movable barrier operator system. Upon a determination that the remote control is within the physical proximity, the controller refrains from operation of the moving-barrier imminent motion notification apparatus.